Age-related prevalence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in Indian subjects.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the age-related prevalence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in Indian subjects without upper gastrointestinal symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sera of 340 subjects without any upper gastrointestinal complaints were screened for IgG and IgA Helicobacter pylori antibodies by the ELISA technique. RESULTS: The prevalence of IgG and IgA antibodies was 22%, 56% and 87% and 48%, 58% and 83% in 0-4, 5-9 and 10-19 year age groups respectively; thereafter it remained almost constant upto fifth decade. A significant fall in IgG and IgA prevalence was observed from fifth to seventh decades. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that in India exposure to Helicobacter pylori occurs early in life and is widespread; about 83% of the population is exposed to Helicobacter pylori during the first two decades of life. The comparable prevalence rates of IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori and hepatitis A virus, in different age groups, in India and in the West, suggest a feco-oral mode of transmission for Helicobacter pylori.